how long do electric water heater elements last?

My experience with electric water heaters ended decades ago. Back then the elements lasted a long time, maybe ten years.

Check the circuit breaker yet?

I'm not sure what kind of water heater old boy is using but it is not a tank. Try pulling the lower element out of a 30 gallon or 60 gallon tank water heater without draining it and tell me little to no water comes out. Your home doesn't work on a vacuum but by pressure, that's why you gauge GPM along with pressure. That's why people ask "how is the water PRESSURE?" That original post is by someone that doesn't know what they are doing or talking about.

Maybe he had a tank woth "strap-on" or "band" elements. Unlikely at this point in time, but possible. I remember our old water heater at home had strap-on elements. I HAVE also seen lowere insert elements changes without draining and only a gallon or two of water escaped. Just turn off the water supply. With no pressureized water coming in, if air can't get in, water can't come out. if the only place air can get in is also the only place water can get out you just need to be faster than the bubble(s). (My dad was an electrician and got pretty good at changing them with the tank full)

Sounds like something that would work, until it doesn't and then you flood the customer's basement. Like the new one won't go in right or there is a faucet somewhere left open somewhere or the kid upstairs opens one, etc. Wasn't your father charging by the hour? I'd be draining the tank on the clock.

Why do the elements need replaced if the water being drained is hot?