Texas inspectors check out complaints against these Houston gas stations

Gas stations with pump violations The Texas Department of Agriculture issued violations to these Houston-area gas stations between Sept. 3 - Nov. 23, 2015 for pumps that overcharged customers (Pump "Does Not Hold Zero") or didn't give us much gas as they said ("Short Measure"). less Gas stations with pump violations The Texas Department of Agriculture issued violations to these Houston-area gas stations between Sept. 3 - Nov. 23, 2015 for pumps that overcharged customers (Pump "Does Not ... more Photo: Alex Brandon Photo: Alex Brandon Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Texas inspectors check out complaints against these Houston gas stations 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

In the state's most recent report of gas station inspections, the Houston area accounted for about one-third of irregularities at the pump.

The Texas Department of Agriculture, which is tasked with making sure gas pumps dispense what they're supposed to, conducts inspections on a routine basis or in response to customer complaints.

The latest report covered the two months between Sept. 3 and Nov. 2 and listed 148 stations where inspectors found problems. Of those, 44 were in the Houston area, including 28 in the city, five in Katy, five in Cypress, three in Alvin and one in Pearland (see them all above).

Here's a list of the most common reasons gas pumps (often known as Multi-Pump Dispensers) are found to be out of compliance:

Short measure in excess of tolerance: The pump shorted the customer gasoline by an amount greater than the allowed amount. According to the agriculture department, the allowed tolerance for diesel and gas pumps in six cubic inches, or about six tablespoons of gas when a five-gallon test measure is used.

Improperly maintained: The pump was not maintained in proper operating condition to the extent that the accuracy could be affected. If more than 60 percent of the pumps at a station are found to short measure in any amount, the pumps are considered to be improperly maintained.

Does not hold zero: The pump did not begin the transaction at $0.00 and zero gallons.

Two times the tolerance: The pump delivered less fuel than the amount indicated on the display by more than twice the allowed amount.

Anyone who has a question or concern about a gas station can call the Department of Agriculture at 1-800-TELL-TDA (835-5832).