A method for maintaining a data storage system is disclosed. The method may include monitoring a first data storage node. The method may also include detecting a condition regarding the first data storage node, and the condition may indicate that at least one file stored on the first data storage node is to be replicated. The method may also include updating a replication list based on detecting the condition, and the replication list may include an identification of the at least one file and priority information for replication of the at least one file. The method may include performing a data replication procedure based on the replication list, where the data replication procedure may include sending a first multicast message to a plurality of other data storage nodes requesting identification of a second data storage node that maintains a copy of the at least one file.