I had a lot of damp problems in my kitchen (a period property). Some were saying it was rising damp, others that it was a leak. It turned out to be leaking central heating pipes under the floor. To fix it involves installing a new closed central heating system. All of the walls were stripped back because of rising damp evidence on plaster etc. However, my question is, Should I install a French Drain on outside of the property?The water table in the area is high 2.5 feet below ground level. The architect says there is no need to as it has been discovered that the damp was due to leaking central heating pipes underground (Architect was initially convinced it was rising damp). Should I install a French Drain or not? Will it help in an area of high water table? I am wary of my Architects advice, as despite everyone else being convinced it was a leak, he believed it was rising damp. The whole place was stripped back, kitchen removed etc. at great cost E40,000 for complete job plus cost of new kitchen. I woiuld appreciate any advice re. French Drain, as I do not want to have any more costly trouble with damp etc. in the house. Thanks in advance.