Before or at the time when distraint is made under this Act, the distrainer shall cause the defaulter to be served with a written demand for the amount of the arrear, together with an account exhibiting the grounds on which the demand is made. The demand and account shall, if practicable, be served personally on the defaulter, or if he abscond or conceal himself so that they cannot be so served, shall be affixed at his usual place of residence.