The customer shall be liable for any water or sewer usage which is used, consumed, dissipated, lost, wasted, etc. when same is as a result of leaks, breaks, wear and tear, improper installation, improper connection, etc. of the water pipes, water lines, appliances, fixtures, equipment, or devices. No adjustment shall be made to a customer’s sewer bill due to excess usage or meter reading attributable to the above acts or otherwise attributable to the customer. Provided, however, the Council may, in its discretion, adjust or permit the adjustment of a sewer bill in the event that any such excess usage or meter readings attributable to a water meter which is defective or malfunctions, and the customer did not reasonably have knowledge of said defect or malfunction.