Hi... I am having a problem with my outside basement stairwell drain. This area is about 3 feet square and the drain is about 3 inches in diameter. After a heavy and consistent rain, the water no longer drains away but starts to slowly come up the drain and flood the stairwell. If it rains hard enough the water rises the 4 inches of the stairwell and eventually seeps into my rec room. If you put your arm down the drain you can feel solid earth about a foot and half down. I have thought about cementing the drain closed and covering the stairwell. I have also thought about removing the door, closing the area with cement blocks and filling the whole area in.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Rick

Start by snaking the line. Rent an electric snake from HomeDepot, etc.

Note: the dirt could have come from being washed down the hole, but if it has come from the drain line being broken underground, then the snaking will either not work - or will only clear the line temporarily.

Either way, I think attempting to snake it out is the best first step.

If you're able to get the snake going past that blockage you'll be able to feel the resistance as it continues down the line. Keep going with it until you feel no more resistance... which means that you've made it out to the main line.