Lock blocking chains create cascading query delays
warningResource ContentionUpdated Jan 21, 2026
Technologies:
How to detect:
Multiple queries form blocking hierarchies where query A blocks B, B blocks C, creating cascading delays that amplify impact across the application
Recommended action:
Use the recursive lock_tree CTE query to identify the full blocking hierarchy up to 5 levels deep. Terminate the root blocking session first using pg_terminate_backend() to resolve the entire chain. Analyze the query patterns at depth 0 to understand root causes