Strange Spike in Disk Space

Connor Smith

• October 23, 2018 16:56

For about 3 days my server disk space has been up at around 80-99% when it is usually around 30%. I have tried to pinpoint the larger files through the terminal, but can't seem to get anywhere. When in the furthest back directory in the terminal (/) and I run du - msh, I get 15GB. However, when I run df -h I get 37GB used. Wondering if someone can point me in the right direction as to how to reduce the disk usage back to its normal values. I did notice that my SMTP relay spiked to 5000 also, I presume these are somehow related? The VPS I use didn't have any changes made to it, just suddenly seen a spike in the stats. Thanks.

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  rpvw

  • October 24, 2018 07:19

  Have you checked your backups are rotating correctly ? If a backup does not complete successfully, the system may continue to retain the oldest backups, and your disk space will rise daily. See Backup Configuration - Version 74 Documentation - cPanel Documentation

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  cPanelLauren

  • October 24, 2018 22:59

  Hi @Connor Smith Since your profile says you are a root administrator I'll assume you have root access. Could you please run the following: cd / du -h --max-depth=1
  This moves you out of root's homedir /root and into / from here you run the du command which should give you a relatively good idea where all the disk space is being allocated. Also can you run the following: df -kh
  And provide the output? Thanks!

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  Connor Smith

  • October 27, 2018 01:26

  Have you checked your backups are rotating correctly ? If a backup does not complete successfully, the system may continue to retain the oldest backups, and your disk space will rise daily. See

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  cPanelLauren

  • October 30, 2018 12:46

  Hi @Connor Smith If you're able to please let us know how you resolved the issue as it might help someone else. Thanks!

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