Short distance going through waste pipe (4)
I believe the answer is:
step
'short distance' is the definition.
(I have seen 'short distance' mean 'step' so perhaps 'distance' could also mean 'step'; 'short' suggests a short form)
'through waste pipe' is the wordplay.
'through' indicates a hidden word.
'STEP' is hidden within 'waste pipe'.
'going' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Abrupt change; pace" , "Footprint" , "Pace - part of a procedure" , "little walk?" , "Move a little way" .)