Whenever any meter, by reason of its being out of repair, or for any cause fails promptly to register the water passing through the same, the consumer shall be charged at the rate shown for the corresponding time of the previous year under like conditions. If no record of the previous year exists, then it shall be the duty of the superintendent of the water department to estimate or determine so far as he can the amount of water consumed during the time such meter fails to operate, and the consumer shall pay the amount so estimated. (1972 Code)