While working in a newly excavated trench for a sewer line, a plumber notices water beginning to seep from the trench wall approximately 1.5 metres below grade. The soil appears to be granular. What is the immediate and most appropriate action the plumber should take?

Question: While working in a newly excavated trench for a sewer line, a plumber notices water beginning to seep from the trench wall approximately 1.5 metres below grade. The soil appears to be granular. What is the immediate and most appropriate action the plumber should take?

Answer options:

• Continue working, but monitor the seepage closely.
• Attempt to divert the water flow with sandbags. ✅ Immediately exit the trench and reassess the trench stability.
• Request a supervisor to bring a dewatering pump to the site.

Correct answer: Immediately exit the trench and reassess the trench stability.

Explanation: Water seeping from a trench wall, especially in granular soil, significantly compromises trench stability and increases the risk of collapse. The immediate and most appropriate action is to exit the trench to ensure personal safety, then reassess the hazard before any further work or mitigation efforts are considered. Continuing to work or trying to divert flow while still in the trench puts the worker at extreme risk.