Whenever any meter, by reason of its being out of repair, or from any cause, fails to properly register the water or gas passing through the same, the customer shall be charged at the rate shown for the corresponding time of the previous year. If no record of the previous year exists, then it shall be the duty of the Superintendent to estimate the amount of water or gas consumed during the time the meter fails to operate, and the consumer shall be charged with such estimated amount.
(1975 Code, § 38.07)