The superintendent of waterworks or his duly authorized agent is authorized and empowered to enter and inspect the premises of any consumer of water for the purpose of ascertaining the number and character of all service connections on such premises and the condition of the same, and for the purpose of investigating whether there is any unnecessary waste of water. In case any unnecessary waste of water shall be found to result from want of repair in the pipes or other fixtures, the owner or occupier of such premises shall be notified to have the necessary repairs made forthwith, and upon his neglect or refusal to do so it shall be the duty of the superintendent to shut off the water from such premises. No person shall turn on such water before the necessary repairs have been made. (Code 1953, § 21.22)